California
California offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. The state boasts pristine coastlines, granite mountains, and expansive redwood forests. Travelers can explore the Alamere Falls, which empties directly into the Pacific Ocean, or visit McWay Falls in Big Sur, a prominent waterfall visible from Highway 1. For those interested in hiking, the Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest trail is a notable choice, while the Lands End Trail in San Francisco provides a scenic coastal walk. Whether you're looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the outdoors, California has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near California
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Mendocino, California
Paddle Redwood Outrigger Canoes up Big River
Big River is a 40 mile or so river in the heart of Mendocino and its first 8 miles form the largest undeveloped estuary remaining in California. It is home to some amazing wildlife from seals to jellyfish to the endangered California Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. If you are lu...Read more -
Markleeville, California
Snowmobile at Hope Valley Sno-Park
Book a snowmobile trip through a local adventure center (we love Lake Tahoe Adventures) or bring your own gear. Don't forget to grab permits ahead of time if you come on your own (more info here.) Drive (from anywhere) to Highway 88 and the snow park entrance is on the south side of the highway. ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Mono Pass to Silver Lake Trailhead via Koip Peak Pass
20.25 mi / 3606 ft gainThis trip begins in Yosemite National Park and can be completed as an out-and-back or by hiking one-way to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and exiting at Silver Lake on the east side of the mountains. Start at the Mono/Parker Pass trailhead, a few miles past Tuolumne Meadows. Don't forget to make a pe...Read more -
Ventura, California
Bike the Ventura Promenade
0.5 mi / 0 ft gainThe Ventura Promenade is a .5 mile long biking and walking trail that runs from the Ventura Pier to Sufer's Point, eventually connecting to the Ventura River & Ojai Bike Trail. It is also part of the the larger "Omer Rains Trail" which runs some 3.5 miles to the south through Buenaventura Sta...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Baxter Steps
4.50.16 mi / 108 ft gainThis set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds. Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!Read more -
Cazadero, California
Bouldering at Fort Ross
3.0The main boulder is right there on the water. You literally have to watch out for the waves coming up on the shore otherwise they might wipe out your camp. But it's an awesome spot with even more awesome routes. There's also a traverse along the back wall if you're looking for something a little ...Read more -
Felton, California
Hike Fall Creek at Henry Cowell SP
5.09.7 mi / 2191 ft gainThis quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail. The parking at the Fall Creek Trailhead is limited, so it is best to get there before 10am. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Most of the trail is dirt, ...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Explore Big River Beach
Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach. The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
4.02.36 mi / 486 ft gainThe Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Ski or Snowboard Heavenly
5.0One of the more beautiful resorts in Lake Tahoe to go snowboarding and skiing. Heavenly is situated in South Lake Tahoe on the border of California and Nevada. This ski resort has an amazing view of the lake while going down, as well as one of the largest total areas to ski in Lake Tahoe. This ...Read more -
Ventura, California
Bike the Rincon Trail
5.028.4 mi / 720 ft gainThe Rincon Trail between Ventura and Santa Barbara is part of the wonderful Pacific Coast Bike Route, and features two-wave paved cycling lanes with beautiful views up and down the central coast. There are numerous places to stop along the way for food and relaxing, including the great seaside to...Read more -
Trinidad, California
Explore Luffenholtz Beach Park
On a road trip with a friend in July of 2019, this beach came recommended to us. The tidepools, rocks cutting into the sea, and photography opportunities made it a spectacular stop. There are stairs down to the beach and we were the only ones at the park. If I remember correctly, it’s quite a n...Read more -
Harrisburg, California
Drive Aguereberry Point Road
This was one of the more enjoyable drives I did in the park. I explored the area late one afternoon, checking out Aguereberry Camp and the Eureka Mine when I decided to explore further up to the end of Aguereberry Road. The drive is awesome, especially late in the day. The road is accessible b...Read more -
Santa Maria, California
Trail Run, Hike, or Mountain Bike Los Flores Ranch Park
5 mi / 700 ft gainI'm a sucker for a good ridgeline trail, and Los Flores Ranch Park has lots of them. For a solid 5ish mile loop with about 600 ft of elevation gain, take the Manzanita Trail to the Ridge Top Trail for sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and out to the ocean on a clear day. The Solomon Trail ...Read more -
Banning, California
Lake Fulmor Loop Trail
5.00.53 mi / 89 ft gainLake Fulmor is a small lake in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild, CA. The trail loops around the lake offering spectacular views and is good for all skill levels. There are picnic tables, grills, and a small dock where you can peer out over the lake or cast a line. To fish in Lake Fulm...Read more -
Paicines, California
Hike the High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop
5.08.4 mi / 1540 ft gainThis hike can begin at Old Pinnacles Trailhead (East Entrance) or Chaparral Trailhead (West Entrance) and can be hiked in either direction. This description is from Old Pinnacles Trailhead, hiking clockwise, which gets the most demanding part of the hike done first. From Old Pinnacles Trailhead w...Read more
